What do you do when you have too much of a good thing? You share it, if course!
The Sunflower Fund recently announced the launch of a new signature campaign – Sunflower Day on 16 September 2016, which replaces their previous iconic national campaign Bandana Day. With the new campaign comes a new product which has being called a Tube of Hope – Tope which will be on sale in August, replacing the much-loved bandanas.
So, the question The Sunflower Fund faced was what to do with all the bandanas they still had in stock – both from generous people who have donated back their bandanas in the hope that they may be put to good use and some remaining stock. Together with their campaign partner, Pick n Pay, The Sunflower Fund came up with the perfect solution – NPO, Dignity Dreams needed fabric, and lots of it. The result? They have donated more than 65,000 bandanas to help Dignity Dreams create drawstring bags in which washable and reusable feminine hygiene products they produce can be provided to young girls. The bags ensure the girls can carry the product, without anyone knowing and prevents any chance of them being embarrassed.
The sanitary packs can be used for up to three years, are SABS absorbency approved, and, most importantly, are making a huge difference in the day-to-day lives of schoolgirls who would otherwise use unhygienic materials or stay away from school during their menstrual cycle.
Dignity Dreams reaches girls and women in all nine South African provinces and other African countries and to date, have delivered over 35,000 Dignity Dreams packs.
There is an entrepreneurial arm to their foundation and they currently have 10 previously disadvantaged and unemployed women who sew Dignity Dreams pads and bags. These women ‘own’ their businesses and Dignity Dreams undertake to purchase all their stock.
Each Dignity Dream sanitary pack includes one drawstring bag, six washable sanitary pads, three pairs of panties, a Ziploc bag and instruction sheet. The donated Sunflower bandanas will be used to make the drawstring bags and pad wings. There will be enough stock to assist the project for three years.
Thank you to Pick n Pay and their partner City Logistics who delivered the bandanas to Dignity Dreams’ warehouse on Wednesday, 1 June 2016.
Should you wish to become a donor, support one of the fundraising projects or make a financial contribution, please contact The Sunflower Fund on toll-free number: 0800 12 10 82. Visit www.sunflowerfund.org.za to learn more or look out for the DONATE button to make a cash donation via the website.